Have figured out (with help, thanks tpage) we we're missing some key de-powering components and sailing in the 3rd windiest state in the nation we use them, and often. With the parts issue cleaned up need sailing advice.

What is the upwind technique to using downhaul? I've read it, pull on in puffs, back off an inch or so after the puff subsides. I've also read, those that foot suceed with this boat (translate = don't pinch?). I'm so used to carving my way upwind I can't bring myself to trust downhaul to bring the hull back down. Do I need to break this habit? Do we hit the downhaul prior to the puff?

Don't like swimming with this boat, it's a monster for us to right at minimum crew weight. But if that's what it takes to learn. Maybe I should state that a lot of puffs out here on the lone prairie, OK actually gusts, can double the average wind speed (i.e. 15 gusting to 30). Maybe I'm confusing terminology puffs and gusts. Anyway, do we downhaul prior or after the "increase in wind speed"?